Mahmood: We need to play fearless cricket
Pakistan's bowling coach Azhar Mahmood feels they need to play fearless cricket if they want to have a successful tournament at the upcoming World T20.
The national side has come in for severe criticism from former players as they suffered dismal defeats on tour to New Zealand and in the recent Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
Mahmood, who has extensive experience of the shortest format having played in T20 leagues around the world, was writing a blog for PakPassion.net.
The 41-year-old Mahmood said: "A player at this level has to be mentally tough yet relaxed to be able to succeed. If you have self-doubt in your own ability, then there isn't much anyone can do to help you.
"This is what I stressed to the players and this is the kind of experience that I have passed onto the players.
"There are various ways to help players to reduce pressure on themselves and one method, mentioned by Waqar Younis to the press as well after the Sri Lanka game, was watching a motivational video which basically conveyed the message that one has to be relaxed and at peace and also have belief in one's ability to be able to perform well on the field.
"Whether this had immediate effects on our batsmen in the Sri Lanka game is moot but it is a well tried and tested technique."
Pakistan start their Word T20 campaign against a qualifier in Kolkata on 14 March.
Latest
-
NewsEngland opener Rory Burns hits century on Surrey return
Burns averaged just 28.22 in six Tests against the West Indies and Pakistan this summer but hit 103 on his return to first-class action with Surrey.
-
NewsDawid Malan hopes he can maintain form to earn spot in Twenty20 World Cup squad
Dawid Malan wants to stay in Eoin Morgan’s good books after eight scores of 50 or more in 15 T20 internationals.
-
NewsShamsi asserts Proteas are ‘stronger’ after culture camp dialogue
Proteas management assembled a 32-man extended squad for a culture camp at the Kruger National Park in August.
-
NewsAshton Agar looking to transform into Australia’s finisher in T20 cricket
The all-rounder has big aspirations.
-
NewsJos Buttler to miss final T20 after taking family time
The in-form wicketkeeper batsman has been in the England bubble for 10 weeks.
-
NewsVirat Kohli returns from lockdown break in peak condition
The lockdown break might have provided some an opportunity to put their feet up but Virat Kohli was not in their number.
-
NewsJos Buttler insists England’s Twenty20 focus is on being ready for World Cup
Jos Buttler hit his highest international score in Twenty20 cricket to secure a series victory.
-
NewsJos Buttler admits he missed playing T20 after leading England to series win
The opener scored his ninth international half-century in the sprint format.
-
NewsCovid case sees Northamptonshire game abandoned while Ian Bell stars for Bears
The former England batsman made a half-century in his final first-class match before retirement.
-
NewsJos Buttler leads England to T20 series victory over Australia
Jos Buttler displayed the full repertoire of his batting as he scored a ninth international half-century in the sprint format.